MEET OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
Levin Profiles showcase Levin College student and alumni experiences and the important work they are doing in the community. Read some of our recent stories below.
Levin students and graduates: Interested in sharing your story with us? Please complete the Levin Profile Form and someone from the College will be in touch. By submitting a Levin Profile Form, you agree to the terms of the CSU Model Release Form.
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Emma Smallwood
Posted June 15, 2023
Emma chose Language Arts and Adolescent/Young Adult Education because she is passionate about sharing her love of knowledge with students. She finds it rewarding to help students learn and grow. Read more. »
Libby Roche
Posted June 5, 2023
Libby Roche has always had a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), but it was the study of early land animal evolution in high school that steered her towards a biology degree. And it was her enriching experience as a high school tutor that motivated her to pursue a career as a high school biology teacher. Read more. »
David Lukas
Posted May 22, 2023
A Cleveland native, David Lukas has always been inspired by Northeast Ohio and is proud to call it home, sharing, “The people here are resilient and committed to making our community better for the next generation.” After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the Ohio State University, Lukas decided to pursue a Master of Public Administration from the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, graduating in 2011. Today, David serves as the Assistant Director for the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development, which seeks to encourage regional job growth and business development. Read more. »
Meg Ryan Shockey
Posted on May 15, 2023
Cleveland.com recently featured Levin College of Public Affairs and Education graduate, Meg Ryan Shockey, as she announced her mayoral campaign in Brooklyn. Shockey, who has been a member of the Brooklyn City Council for more than five years, currently serves as City Council President. Read more. »
Benjamin Noren
Posted on May 12, 2023
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n Noren began his career at Cleveland State University in the fall of 2019 as an honors student majoring in Urban Studies. A Bay Village native, he developed a love for the creeks, parks, and beaches offered by the Cleveland Metroparks. He is drawn to the environmental aspects of urban issues, particularly “the impact that man-made infrastructure, including roads, sewers, and lights, has on the natural resources and services provided by local tree canopies, watersheds, and ecosystems, which all play an essential role in the function of the so called 'Earth System.'” Benjamin graduated as Levin College Valedictorian with a double major in Urban Studies and Environmental Science, and minors in Economics and Sustainable Urban Development in Spring 2023. Read more. »
David Lukas
Posted on March 13, 2023
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the Ohio State University, David Lukas returned to his hometown and obtained a Master’s Degree of Public Administration from the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education at Cleveland State University. When deciding where to continue his education following his time at Ohio State, he was impressed with Cleveland State’s College of Urban Affairs: “The faculty [were] well known throughout the community and the career services office was successful in connecting students with relevant internship opportunities.” Read more. »
Alivia Wheeler
Posted on February 06, 2023
Alivia Wheeler is an undergraduate student majoring in Criminology and Psychology at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. Alivia has always had an interest in crime, the origins of crime, the psychology of criminal behavior, and the environmental factors that contribute to criminality. Her curiosity and desire to learn are married to her desire to help find solutions to crime and the victimization that both precedes and follows it. She credits faculty in her department, like Dr. Meghan Novisky, for inspiring her passion to serve others, especially those who are disadvantaged. Read more. »
Dr. Steven Sanders
Posted on February 03, 2023
Dr. Steven Sanders is a recent graduate of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education’s doctoral Urban Education program. In his new role as an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Oregon State’s School of Psychological Science, Dr. Sanders manages the Adjustment, Identity, and Racism Lab, works in the University Counseling Center, and mentors and advises graduate students. Read more. »Deandre Patrick
Posted on January 11, 2022
Deandre Patrick is a gifted storyteller and avid sports fan who has always dreamed of combining these two passions. His fascination with sport and story led him to Cleveland State University (CSU) where he will soon graduate with a BA in Journalism and Promotional Communication from the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education’s School of Communication. With a major in promotional communication and minor in digital content production, Deandre hopes to graduate and find a career path in professional sports, while also supporting his neighbors through vocational ministry. Read more. »
Nakia Harge
Posted on December 9, 2022
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Nakia Harge is in her final semester at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Criminology. Nakia says she chose a degree in Criminology because of her passion for helping youth who face socio-structural and environmental challenges. She hopes she can offer her love and wisdom to help them achieve success, despite the disadvantages they must overcome. Nakia is already making a difference in the lives of youth as a Juvenile Detention Officer with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center where she supports and supervises residents. Read more. »
Alexia Miracle
Posted on October 6, 2022
Alexia Miracle is an undergraduate student in Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. Motivated by a high school volunteer experience where she operated the school’s nonprofit clothing and hygiene pantry, Alexia chose to major in Nonprofit Administration and minor in both Urban and Regional Studies and Spanish. Her passion to serve and build genuine connections has also led her to a position with Lift Up Vikes!, Cleveland State’s resource center and food pantry that serves students with supplemental food items and other basic needs. Read more. »
Kenneth S. Trump (MPA 91)
Posted on March 29, 2022
Levin's MPA program was in its infancy when I attended, yet even then it had caught the attention of academicians and public leaders both locally and nationally. The course content appealed to me because of its pragmatic courses. I wanted a graduate degree focusing on practical content that was applicable to real-life settings, and the MPA program provided me with the confidence and competence to understand and effectively operate with public agencies both from within and as an outside consultant. I have enjoyed a successful three decades in this field and the MPA helped create that foundation.” Read more. »
Meet Jeff Ryder (MPA ’19)
Posted on March 25, 2022
Jeff Ryder’s (MPA ’19) story showcases how Levin alumni find successful career pathways in many different fields. This March, Jeff begins a new position as the Managing Director for the Virginia Stage Company (VSC), a prominent theater destination in Norfolk, VA that serves over 58,000 patrons annually. VSC said Jeff’s unique background in arts leadership, community service, strategic planning, and dedication to community engagement made him uniquely qualified for the role. Read more. »
Meet Brian Gage (MPA/JD ’02)
Posted on March 3, 2022
I used my internship and networking in the community to assist in finding my first job after graduation. Since then, I have worked with colleagues from Levin in Washington DC, New York, and throughout the country. Our alumni have an impact nationwide. Read more. »
Levin Profile Update: Cait Kennedy (PhD student, MS ’19) and Joyce Huang (MUPDD ’16)
Posted on March 3, 2022
Levin PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant, Bryson Davis, met with Cait Kennedy (PhD student, MS ’19) and Joyce Huang (MUPDD ’16) to discuss unBail, a mobile app the two co-founded that helps defendants navigate the legal system by providing timely, relevant, and actionable updates about defendants' cases and how to prepare for what lies ahead. Here is what Bryson learned. »